Wesley Bell

Bell, Wagner Introduce St. Louis Postal Accountability and Reform Act to Hold USPS Accountable for Delayed Mail

Washington, D.C.— Today, Representatives Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) and Ann Wagner (R-Mo.) introduced the St. Louis Postal Accountability and Reform (STL Up To PAR) Act, to direct the United States Postal Service (USPS) to submit a report to Congress on mail and package delivery service performance in the St. Louis region. In 2025, two audits by the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General (OIG) documented longstanding operational challenges that have caused persistent mail delays for residents across the St. Louis region. The OIG provided a list of detailed recommendations to improve service, and Postmaster General Steiner has since engaged constructively with Congress on corrective actions. This legislation builds on that momentum by requiring USPS to document delivery performance benchmarked against national averages, workforce conditions including vacancy and turnover rates, the status of corrective actions on all OIG recommendations, and the management systems in place to prevent recurrence. “The mail delays in the St. Louis region have gone on for far too long,” said Rep. Bell. “I’ve heard from constituents who wait for weeks on prescription medications, benefit checks, and utility notices — mail that can't be late. The St. Louis ‘Up To PAR’ Act will give us real accountability for whether USPS is delivering on its commitments.” “I constantly hear complaints from constituents and neighbors about the complete lack of accountability in the United States Postal Service (USPS) and their frequent inability to deliver mail and critical packages like medications on time,” said Rep. Wagner. “People rely on this service, and we expect the Postal Service to do their job and deliver the mail on time. I have brought in USPS leadership to hold them accountable for their service failures, but it’s clear more needs to be done. The St. Louis Postal Accountability and Reform Act will provide for clear service benchmarks so we can ensure they are fixing these problems on an appropriate timeline and with full transparency. This is a bipartisan issue, and I appreciated working across the aisle in the St. Louis region with Congressman Bell to make sure government works for you.” The St. Louis Up To PAR Act is designed not to penalize USPS, but to give both Congress and constituents a clear picture of where things stand and where work remains. The bill is also co-sponsored by Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), Mike Bost (R-Ill.), and Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.). Read the full bill text HERE.

Bell Baltic Bill Passes Out of House Foreign Affairs Committee

Position: Representative Bell supports the Baltic Security Assessment Act, which requires the State and Defense Departments to assess threats to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania and identify opportunities to strengthen U.S.–Baltic defense cooperation and NATO's collective defense posture.

Washington, D.C.— Today, Representative Wesley Bell (D-Mo.)’s Baltic Security Assessment Act of 2025, a bipartisan measure to ensure the United States maintains a clear, comprehensive understanding of the threats facing Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania from hostile actors, including Russia, China, Iran, Belarus, and North Korea, passed out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee with a 41-3 vote. Under the legislation, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, will be required to deliver a detailed report to Congress within 180 days assessing emerging military, cyber, hybrid, and political threats to the Baltic nations. The report will also identify opportunities to strengthen U.S.–Baltic defense cooperation, reinforce the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) collective defense posture, bolster cybersecurity infrastructure, and enhance democratic resilience in the region. “The Baltic States are among our most steadfast and reliable allies, standing on the frontlines of Russian aggression and other merging threats. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania continue to invest heavily in their defense and are upholding their commitments within NATO amidst an increasingly complex security landscape,” said Rep. Bell. “The Baltic Security Assessment Act will provide the United States with a clearer, more comprehensive understanding of the evolving threats facing the region. I'm glad to see this bill pass out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House must now act to get this bill signed into law so we can strengthen our support for the Baltics and stay ahead of growing hybrid threats.” The Baltic Security Assessment Act is co-led by Reps. Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.) and has 80 bipartisan co-sponsors. The bill is being led in the Senate by Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). The legislation is endorsed by The Joint Baltic American National Committee. Rep. Bell is a member of the bipartisan House Baltic Caucus and the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus.

Bell, Bilirakis Lead Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month

Washington, D.C.— Today, Representatives Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) and Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) re-introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month. The resolution honors the more than one million Americans living with Parkinson’s disease and calls for increased public awareness, federal research investment, and support for individuals and families affected by the condition. “Parkinson’s disease is a heartbreaking reality for far too many families,” said Rep. Bell. “I’m proud to lead this bipartisan resolution with Congressman Bilirakis because the patients and families impacted by this disease deserve to know that people are advocating for them. By publicly recognizing the scope of this disease, we are taking a step toward a better future for the families impacted– a future that includes earlier diagnosis, better patient care, and more funding for research and breakthroughs.” “Parkinson’s disease is not just a diagnosis - it is a life-altering condition that impacts entire families and communities,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “For too many Americans, the emotional and financial toll is overwhelming. This resolution ensures we elevate awareness, encourage early diagnosis, and reaffirm our commitment to advancing research and care. Congress must continue working in a bipartisan manner to confront the challenges posed by Parkinson’s disease. Together, we can improve quality of life for those affected today while driving progress toward a cure for tomorrow.” “The Michael J. Fox Foundation commends Representatives Bell and Bilirakis for spearheading this bipartisan effort to recognize the 1.2 million Americans living with Parkinson’s and related diseases,” said Dan Feehan, Chief Policy and Government Affairs Officer at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. “As we mark Parkinson’s Awareness Month, we remain focused on accelerating the pace of discovery and ensuring broader access to high-quality care. That means sustaining and increasing federal investment in Parkinson’s research, advancing efforts to better understand environmental contributors to disease, and fully implementing the National Parkinson’s Project to keep driving progress. We’ve seen remarkable advances in Parkinson’s research, and by working together, we can reach a cure even faster for the fastest-growing neurological disease in the U.S. and around the world.” Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disease that primarily affects motor function, but it can also lead to cognitive decline, sleep disturbances, and mental health challenges. Roughly 90,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s each year, and that number is expected to rise as the population ages. The economic burden of the disease is estimated at more than $52 billion annually in the United States alone, including direct medical costs and indirect costs like missed work and caregiver time. Reps. Bell and Bilirakis also introduced this resolution in 2025.

Bell, Courtney, Garamendi Call on the Department of Defense to Take Measures to Protect Well-Being of USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group

Position: Representatives call on the Department of Defense to address crew welfare concerns aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which has been deployed for over nine months with indications of extended operations, degraded living conditions, equipment strain, and declining morale.

Washington, D.C.— Today, Representatives Wesley Bell (D-Mo.), Joe Courtney (D-Ct.), and John Garamendi (D-Ca.) wrote a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth expressing concern regarding the condition, operational strain, and crew welfare aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group as its deployment approaches its tenth consecutive month at sea. The letter was signed by Democratic Members of the House Armed Services Committee. In the letter, the members call on the Department of Defense to provide a classified briefing to members of the House Armed Services Committee to provide information on the status of the Ford and all future measures that will be taken to ensure the health and safety of the strike group. “The strike group has now been deployed for more than nine months, with indications that operations may continue beyond that mark,” wrote the 11 Members of Congress. “This will place this deployment at the outer edge of, and potentially exceeding, standard Navy deployment timelines, and breaking the record of 294 days set by the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln in 2020. The cumulative effects of an extended, high-tempo deployment raise significant concerns about force sustainability, crew endurance, and long-term readiness.” “These concerns are compounded by reports of degraded living conditions and equipment strain during this extended deployment, including loss of berthing capacity, persistent maintenance challenges, and declining crew morale,” the Members of Congress continued. “Taken together, these issues raise broader questions about the cumulative impact of prolonged high-tempo operations on both readiness and the well-being of deployed servicemembers.” “The United States Navy’s ability to project power globally depends not only on advanced platforms, but on the resilience and readiness of the sailors who operate them,” the Members of Congress concluded. “Ensuring that deployment practices remain sustainable is essential to preserving both mission effectiveness and the long-term health of the force.” The letter was also signed by Representatives Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.), Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.), and Jason Crow (D-Colo.). Rep. Bell is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, serving on the Tactical Air and Land Forces and Strategic Forces Subcommittees. Read the full letter here.

Bell Introduces BRIDGE Act to Expand Pathways to Economic Mobility and Employment for Justice-Impacted Individuals and Opportunity Youth

Position: Representative Bell supports expanding the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to include justice-impacted individuals and opportunity youth to create pathways to employment and economic mobility for groups facing workforce barriers.

Washington, D.C.— Today, Representative Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) introduced the Building Reentry and Inclusive Development for Greater Employment (BRIDGE) Act, to strengthen the workforce by expanding pathways to economic mobility and employment for justice-impacted individuals and opportunity youth, two groups that have long faced significant barriers to entering the workforce. “A bad situation should not define a person’s entire story. I support expanding the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to include justice-impacted individuals and opportunity youth because people deserve a chance to make a better life for themselves,” said Rep. Bell. “Our workforce is only as strong as the resources we put into it. Let’s uplift our community members, invest in our workforce, and see the good it brings to the economy.” "Our team is particularly encouraged to see the focus on Opportunity Youth—those young people who, despite being disconnected from school or work, possess incredible potential. Far too often, those impacted by the criminal justice system are left out of the conversation. This bill changes that,” said Phillip Robinson, CEO of the Forum for Youth Investment. “By expanding the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, we are creating real pathways to job training and meaningful employment. Our mission is to ensure that every young person has the support they need to reach their fullest potential in education, work, and life. We look forward to this work and to ensuring no one is left behind." "The BRIDGE Act will make impactful adjustments to the Workforce Opportunity Tax Credit and better serve individuals returning home from incarceration. This legislation will create stronger pathways for justice-impacted jobseekers, disrupting cycles of incarceration and supporting self-sufficiency and economic mobility,” said Sam Schaeffer, CEO of the Center for Employment Opportunities. “CEO strongly supports these steps to promote fair-chance hiring and make the Workforce Opportunity Tax Credit a more impactful tool for justice-impacted jobseekers." “Opportunity youth, young people not currently connected to school or work, are hardworking, driven, and eager to contribute. For employers, they represent an untapped pool of talent ready to succeed and grow within their organizations,” said Dr. Mary Ann (Mimi) Haley, Executive Director of the National Youth Employment Coalition. “The National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC) is grateful to Congressman Bell for introducing the BRIDGE Act, which would create meaningful incentives for employers to hire opportunity youth and invest in their potential. NYEC stands ready to support the BRIDGE Act and other initiatives aimed at eliminating youth disconnection." The BRIDGE Act will extend eligibility under the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to previously excluded groups, including individuals facing barriers to employment because of a criminal record and individuals who were incarcerated, placed on probation, or institutionalized for at least 90 days. The legislation also extends WOTC to out of school youth ages 16-24, homeless individuals ages 16-24, and individuals in foster care or who have aged out of the foster care system. The WOTC has historically incentivized employers to hire individuals from targeted groups that face obstacles to employment, including veterans, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients, among others. The BRIDGE Act will reinstate and expand the WOTC, creating meaningful avenues to employment. Read the full bill text here.

Bell Introduces EPSTEIN Act to Establish Independent Commission To Oversee Epstein Investigation

Washington, D.C.— Today, Representative Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) introduced the Ensuring Prosecutorial Scrutiny, Transparency, and Equal Impartiality Nationwide Act, or the EPSTEIN Act, to establish an independent, bipartisan commission to investigate and provide oversight, transparency, and accountability over the Department of Justice's handling of the Epstein Files. "The American people deserve to know the truth about Jeffrey Epstein's crimes and everyone who enabled them," said Rep. Bell. "For too long, victims have been left without answers and the public has been left in the dark. This commission would ensure that the DOJ's handling of the Epstein files receives the rigorous, independent scrutiny it demands — and that any criminal conduct is referred for prosecution. Justice delayed is justice denied, and we owe it to survivors to get this right." The EPSTEIN Act will create the Epstein Transparency and Accountability Commission, an independent statutory commission responsible for examining and investigating the documents and evidence within the Epstein Files. This commission will be made up of eight expert members equally split between Democrats and Republicans, and will be entirely separate from the DOJ. Members will be selected by the House and Senate Majority and Minority leadership. The commission’s core responsibilities include independently reviewing all criminal violations committed by Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplices, as well as examining unredacted files and information related to Epstein to create transparency to the public on the DOJ’s enforcement of federal human trafficking laws and delivering justice. The commission will have the authority to refer findings to state attorney generals to allow for prosecution. Upon completion of the investigation, the commission will issue a final report to Congress outlining the findings of the investigation and make these findings available to the public on a website established by the commission. Bell is a member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and has consistently pushed for transparency and accountability regarding Jeffrey Epstein and his crimes. Earlier this week, Bell voted in favor of the committee's bipartisan subpoena of Attorney General Pam Bondi to compel her testimony on the DOJ's handling of the Epstein files. Bell has also offered amendments in committee to subpoena witnesses — including former Border Patrol commander-at-large Gregory Bovino — as part of his broader commitment to using the Oversight Committee's investigative powers to demand answers from those in positions of authority. Read the full bill text here.

Bell Introduces Reinvest in Public Schools Act to Cut Costs for Districts and Support Safer, Modern Schools

Position: Rep. Bell supports legislation to reinstate tax-exempt advance refunding bonds for public school districts, enabling them to refinance debt at lower interest rates and redirect savings toward facility improvements and classroom modernization.

Washington, D.C.—Today, Representative Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) introduced the Reinvest in Public Schools Act of 2026, legislation to restore a critical financing tool that allows public school districts to refinance bonds at lower interest rates and reinvest the savings directly into classrooms and facilities. “Strong public schools are one of the clearest paths to opportunity in this country,” said Rep. Bell. “When classrooms are outdated or buildings are in disrepair, it’s our kids who pay the price. This bill helps school districts lower their borrowing costs so they can reinvest in safer facilities, modern classrooms, and the kind of learning environments every child deserves. If we’re serious about expanding opportunity, we have to be serious about investing in our public schools.” “One of the core responsibilities of every school district is to be a good steward of local resources. Restoring tax‑exempt advance refunding would allow districts to refinance bonds at lower interest rates, which directly benefits taxpayers and helps us invest more in students and safe, well‑maintained schools. We appreciate efforts that reflect the real needs we hear from our communities,” said Dr. Mark Penny, Executive Director of the Missouri Association of School Administrators. The Reinvest in Public Schools Act reinstates the use of tax-exempt advance refunding bonds for public school infrastructure projects, reversing a provision in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that eliminated this option. By allowing school districts to refinance debt under better terms, the legislation will help free up resources for construction, rehabilitation, repair of school facilities, and acquisition of land for future projects. The Reinvest in Public Schools Act is supported by the National Education Association and Missouri Association of School Administrators. Read the full bill text here. ###